REVIEW: Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending

Nonfiction by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

Happy Money explains how to get the best bang for your happiness buck by answering questions such as: Would you be happier spending money on an expensive car or a pricey vacation? Should you frequent expensive restaurants, or purchase a Roomba? Is time money? Should you volunteer, spend an extra hour at work, or go to the gym? Why do high wage earners feel more stressed than low wage earners?

Dunn and Norton demonstrate how some types of spending enhance quality of life, while other types of spending – at best – only help you keep up with the Joneses, and – at worst – stress you out. This short book (under 200 pages) is broken up into five sections: 1) Buy Experiences, 2) Make it a Treat, 3) Buy Time, 4) Pay Now, Consume Later, and 5) Invest in Others.

Highly recommended for readers with disposable income. Also recommended for students of psychology and anyone aspiring to someday spend some Happy Money.

–Reviewed by Jennifer McQueen, Mount Pleasant Regional Library, Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Find this and similar titles at Charleston County Public Library. This item is available as a print book. To learn more or to place a hold, visit www.ccpl.org or call 843-805-6930.